According to Children's Hospital Boston, brain tumors are the most common solid tumors found in children, with approximately 2,200 children and teenagers diagnosed each year in the United States. Symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on the child and the location and size of the tumor, since different areas of the brain control different functions. Many symptoms are caused by intracranial pressure, although other symptoms can vary widely.
Increased Intracranial Pressure
Increased intracranial pressure, or ICP, results from excess fluid or tissue in the brain, says Children's Hospital Boston. This can happen because the tumor has blocked off one or more ventricles in the brain that typically let cerebrospinal fluid drain. This blockage means the fluid stays in the brain and builds up. Increased ICP can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, typically in the morning; irritability; drowsiness; changes in personality; and headache. If increased ICP is not detected and treated, it can eventually lessen cardiac and respiratory functioning, which can progress to coma.
Cerebellar Brain Tumors
Brain tumors that arise in the cerebellum, which is in the back of the brain, can cause increased ICP, vomiting without nausea, uncoordinated muscle movements and headache, according to Children's Hospital Boston. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia adds that brain tumors in this area can also lead to problems with balance, posture and equilibrium.
Brainstem Brain Tumors
The brainstem is located in the middle of the brain, and brain tumors that arise in this area can exhibit several symptoms, according to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. These symptoms can include seizures, changes in vision or double vision, changes in respiration, endocrine disturbances and paralysis of nerves or muscles of the face or on one side of the body.
Cerebrum Brain Tumors
The cerebrum is located in the front of the brain, and brain tumors in this area can cause changes in vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, changes in personality, paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, and seizures, according to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Other symptoms can include gait disturbances, communication problems, impaired judgment and short-term memory loss, says Children's Hospital Boston.
